Psalm 11
Sunday, 14 February 2021
But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. -Psalm 11:4 [NLT]
The Psalm is one of hope and trust in God in the midst of trying circumstances. David went through difficult times before he came to the throne of Israel and even after. One of the most trying times was when his own son, Absalom rose against him, trying to dethrone him- David had to go into hiding for a while. But the righteous God established him again on the throne later.
David’s confidence that he would come forth victoriously in this trying circumstances was founded on three bold statements he makes:
In the LORD I put my trust (vs.1): The enemy was after him trying to hunt him down, lurking with stringed arrow, ready to shoot! They even taunted him with derisive words- flee like a bird; the foundations of your throne are shaken! (paraphrased). But David assured himself: “In the LORD I put my trust!” The Christian is warned of his adversary, who is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1Peter 5:8). Paul warns us in 2Cor.2:11: “… lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” Paul gives us the remedy too in Eph.6:11: ” Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” The continuing portion gives us what the armor of God is! First and foremost is our trust in God and not in ourselves! Eph.6:16 talks of the shield of faith that quenches the fiery darts of the enemy!—the faith in a God who has already won the victory for us on the cross of Calvary!
The LORD is in His holy Temple: the Lord’s throne is in heaven (vs.4):- David’s throne must have been shaken up but the LORD is seated on the throne forever! Psalm 2 speaks of those who plot vainly against the Lord: Vs.4 says, “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision.” God is sovereign despite all the plans and plots of the enemy. The Lord safeguards His own! Remember, the LORD has the last word on any circumstance in your life, as long as your life is aligned to Him and His purposes!
For the LORD is righteous (vs.7): Jer.9:24 says, “… that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things," declares the LORD.” He is righteous and just is all His ways (Deut.32:4) and can be trusted when the unrighteous lift their hands against the righteous ones of God! David was resolute in his heart that the Righteous One would work on his behalf and shall bring forth his righteousness as the light, and his justice as the noonday. (Ps.37:6)
Those who have been made right with God through Christ Jesus, have Christ’s righteousness imputed to them – they can have the confidence that the Righteous God will surely listen to their cries and bring forth His justice in their lives! 1 Peter 3:12 says, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Friend, what tough situation are you going through today? May the Lord comfort you with His presence and the promise of His Word from today’s reading. Remember: HE has the last word in all your situations!
Promise: “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” (2 Chron. 16:9)